During the short, cold winter days I really look forward to the longer, warmer days of summer. However as soon as we get the first really hot day I find I just can’t cope with it at all. All those grand ideas I have of taking my notebook and pen to the beach with a picnic just evaporate as quickly as the morning dew. It annoys me intensely that although I live in a wonderful seaside town I can’t seem to take advantage of the surroundings. I try every year, and every year I am beaten back indoors by the heat of the sun.

Every year it surprises me, as though it were happening for the first time. Spring and autumn are my favourite times of year, and it’s then that I most enjoy walking on the beach.

So, at the moment it’s still really hot and sunny here and it made me think about long, hot summers of the past. I’ve been looking back at family photographs and found a real gem.

I found a photograph my cousin shared with me, it’s of our grandfather (Joseph Taylor Dinnis) and his mother (Catherine Dinnis Taylor) sitting on a seat facing Brighton beach. I don’t know the date but would guess at around 1927 – 28.

Joseph Taylor Dinnis and Catherine Taylor Dinnis on Brighton seafront

These seats are still here, you can still sit in the sun and enjoy the view of the pier. Here is a photo taken from the pier looking at the area Joseph and his mother were sitting.

From their clothes it’s hard to decide if it was hot or not. There are shadows, so the sun must have been out. Catherine looks to be wearing a winter coat and hat but Joseph is happy in his suit and the grand old fashion of socks and sandals! Good old Grandad!

And here is another photograph of Joseph and Catherine (his mother) taken on Brighton seafront.

Joseph Taylor Dinnis and Catherine Dinnis

Maybe one day I will be able to cope with a day on the beach, but for now I’ll stay indoors in the shade and carry on writing and blogging.

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About Jackie Dinnis

Welcome to my blog where I am enjoying meeting my family - past and present - one at a time. Join me as I learn who my ancestors were, where they lived, what their occupations were and what everyday life was like for them.